Skip to main content

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has serious competition in the SUV vehicle class. Its cabin is dull, it has poor fuel economy, and it doesn’t provide great value for its price. Buy these three SUVs instead of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

The Mazda CX-5 is a much safer small SUV than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

A gray Mazda CX-5 is driving on the road.
The Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

One of the biggest issues with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is that it is unsafe compared to many of the vehicles in its class. According to CNN Business, the Eclipse Cross was one of the most unsafe small SUVs along with the Honda HR-V. The Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, was the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top safety pick for small SUVs.

The Mazda CX-5 is a much safer subcompact SUV choice than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. It comes with plenty of standard safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The Mazda CX-5 also comes with additional optional safety features like its Adaptive Front Lighting System and Driver Attention Alert. The CX-5 is a safer option and its cabin is much more refined than the Eclipse Cross’ cabin. The Mazda CX-5 starts at $25,370.

The Kia Soul is a much better deal than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Two Kia Soul subcompact SUVs are parked.
Two Kia Soul subcompact SUVs | Kia

The Kia Soul is a tiny SUV that is a big name in the subcompact SUV vehicle class. This small SUV has surprised consumers with amazing value for its price. The Kia Soul is one of the most affordable small SUV models on the market. It starts at just $19,190.

The Kia Soul has a shockingly roomy cabin despite its unique design. It comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Kia Soul’s GT-Line trim comes with advanced driver assistance and safety features and a new design for just $23,765. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $23,695 and offers much less than the Kia Soul GT-Line despite being very close in price.

The Hyundai Kona is more fun to drive than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Hyundai Kona subcompact SUVs.
Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV models | Sjoerd van der Wal via Getty Images

The Hyundai Kona has quickly gained a large following since 2017 because it is such a fun small SUV to drive. The Kona has great handling and has enough power to be exciting to drive for its size. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower. It also has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder option that makes 195 horsepower.

The Hyundai Kona starts at just $21,150. Its N-Line trim starts at $25,700 and comes with the turbocharged engine along with upgraded interior features and tech. The Kona is a perfect example of a subcompact SUV that is more appealing than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross on every level.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is outclassed by the competition

A white Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is driving on the road.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is outclassed by many of its peers. Models like the Mazda CX-5, Kia Soul, and Hyundai Kona are much more satisfying to drive and own. The Eclipse Cross has plenty of issues but its biggest pitfall is its high price. The Cross is more expensive than some of its peers and less safe. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross just doesn’t provide enough value to consumers to compete with small SUVs at the top of its class.

Related

The 2021 Honda HR-V Has Barebones Standard Safety